Cutting out tensions and confusion in the mind of students University Grants Commission (UGC) made things clear. As colleges across the country are closed due to COVID-19 pandemic the question mark over ‘semester exams’ and the start of the new session was there.
While the hints that the new session would begin from September came in things got official after UGC’s announcement. As per UGC new session of colleges would begin from 1st of August for current students and 1st of September for new admission students.
The admission process in universities will also begin from the month of August. In regards to the conduct of exams, the ball is in the court of respective Universities. As per UGC universities may decide whether to conduct exams online or offline keeping in the resources in mind. The UGC also asked them to ensure a fair opportunity for all students while conducting exams.
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The commission also said that the lockdown period may be considered as “deemed to be attended” by all students. “Intermediate students will be graded based on an internal assessment of the present and previous semester. In states where the COVID-19 situation has normalized, there will be exams in the month of July. For terminal semester students, exams will be held in July“, said UGC. Here are some more guidelines form UGC:
- Universities may follow a six-day week pattern
- Devise proforma to record travel or stay history of staff and students for the lockdown period
- Extension of 6 months will be granted to MPhil, Ph.D. students
- Viva-voice to be conducted through video conference
- A COVID-19 cell to be constituted in every University. The cell would empower and solve the issues of students related to academic calendars and examinations. UGC would also create such cell for faster decision-making
